task 7

task 7 - Page Text Content

S: Task 7

FC: Task 7:Research Into 6x Film Posters

1: For task 7 i have looked at a variety of different film genres and analysed six film posters to help me gain an insight into typical conventions of different film genres. Also helping me make a decision as to what direction for my film trailer i would like to follow. I have looked at colours used and images featured on the poster and what they connote. Looking at what the effect is upon the audience. I've looked at the genre and how the genre made known. the gratifications, unique selling points the tagline and how attention is gained. | Aim for task 7:what I've analysed

2: SUPER BAD | The main colours used in the poster for “Superbad”; is a cream background and red font colour for the name of the film. Although you see a lot of the background colour the three characters appear more dominate. Furthermore “Superbad” stands out the most due to the fact that it's at the “front”, bright red (and the brightest part of the whole poster which immediately draws your attention to it)and it's at a slant with a boarder which gives it an edgy look making it feel like its jumping off of the page. The red connotes “danger” and the idea there is some sort of “badness” to the comedy. The words “Superbad” in general create a comical effect as the characters appear to be geeky and the title then contrasts their image and create the idea that they are not actually super bad. The words also link into the genre as the titles creates a comical effect; they're not only “bad” they're “Superbad”. An audience may then get the impression that these people think they're really cool but really they're just geeks that conflicts to the stereotypical conventions of geeky people. Obviously, this would create questions for an audience as they are faced with a poster on a plain background that doesn't give too much away. This can be seen as very effective as the films narrative hasn't been given away which may encourage an audience to watch the film. On the other hand, the plain background may bore an audience as they get the impression that the film hasn't got a lot of offer. The main figures on the on the posters is the titles and the image of the three main characters. The image of the three geeky male teens links to the title “Superbad” as their body positions create a stereotypical image to which “bad” people stand. The image is being presented photographically, creating a realistic approach which would appeal to a teenage audience interested in comedy films. I think that intended audience for this film would be teenagers and comedy lovers. Teenagers as the main characters are teens and a teenage audience would then be able to relate to the | characters better than an older audience as the behavior and attitudes of the characters are more likely going to be similar to an average teenager. Secondly I think comedy lovers would take interest especially as the tagline at the top of the poster quotes “From the guy who brought you ‘The 40 year old virgin’ and ‘knocked up’”; this may interest comedy lovers who enjoyed these two films. If the audience like the two films stated it creates the impression that they will like the film being advertised, encouraging them to watch the film. The fact it says the “guy” again links to a target audience of the younger generation as it seems as if the poster is talking to the audience in an informal and casual way; a way in which a teenager would stereotypically refer someone as. I think the main persuasive techniques used are the use of naming previous produced films. This is a great way to get people who have enjoyed these films; that were obviously a big hit to then consider watching the film being advertised as it is likely that they will want to watch the film is they enjoyed the other films stated. Comedies often create situations about relationships with the opposite sex, parents and school life, situations teenagers can relate to in a humorous way. This poster doesn't give too much away, other than that these three people are the main characters, they are teenage confident geeks and the fact that they challenge

3: what is usually expected of “Superbad” and what geeks are usually like creates a comical aspect to the film.

4: All three characters could potentially be used as unique selling points as all three of the characters have previously been characters in previous comedy films. Potentially by featuring even one of these characters may be the main/only reason why some people decide to watch the film; due to the fact that they like the actor and/or think they're a good actor. Gratifications such as the tagline promise that the film is going to funny and much like the two “big hit” films mentioned. This would then create the effect that this film will be a “big hit” too, hopefully encouraging an audience to watch the film. Again the genre of the film and the idea of the film being humorous is promised by the connection between the name of the film and the characters positioning, structure and facial expressions which all contribute to the idea of the film making an audience laugh. Some audiences may criticise this poster is too plain but I think the simplicity of the poster works well. I also think the reasoning for the plain background is so that an audience focus’ directly at the characters; creating the impression that they are being presented at the unique seeing point of the film. I think the main way in which attention towards this poster is gained is by the big, bold and slanted title which seems as if it is jumping off of the page. I think the genre of the film is then shown through the link between the titles and the characters. Humour is created what the audience spots the unconventional twist to the film and the fact that they look so serious gains a laugh. I think the super bad poster is effective as the title is tilted, of a large font and bright red which instantly draws you to the poster because its bright and looks like its coming off of the page. The poster may look boring and plain but I think it works well as the main characters are introduced and it seems as if they are the unique selling point of the film and therefore the producers want an audience to focus on the actors and not get distracted by the background as they believe the actors are enough to encourage an audience to watch the film. Advertising two previously produced films that are well known and loved also works well as if an audience has enjoyed these films then it is likely they will like this film which would encourage them to watch it. On the other hand, advertising these films may reduce the amount of people watching the film as they may not like “Knocked up” and therefore may think they won’t like “Superbad”. An alternate reading of “Superbad” may be that the characters are really bad, naughty and stupidly immature which may turn an audience away as they may think its going to be a stupid film instead of the idea that they are challenging the stereotypical idea of “cool” people. | Jonah Hill | Hill was first nominated for a Teen Choice Award for his role in Accepted (2006) | "Arrested Development" (2003 | Michael Cera

6: THE HUNGER GAMES | The main colours used are orange and black/brown; orange being the less used colour but the colour that stands out the most. Orange typically connotes energy and warmth whereas black connotes darkness and evil. As a whole the poster creates the effect that there is a large bad aspect to the film due to the mass of dark colours yet there is a sign of hope because of the orange circular ring with a bird inside of it. The idea of the flame and that it is the “The Hunger ‘Games’” links to the idea of the Olympic games and the Olympic flame; this flame represents purity and the endeavour for perfection some readers may make this connection and imagine the hunger games to have an Olympic edge. As a whole the poster creates the effect that there may be a lot of badness (dark colours) but as such there is a “light at the end of the tunnel” and there will be a struggle but a happy ending (orange flame). The flaming ring with the bird inside can be seen as a symbol that would need an audience’s foreknowledge to understand what it actually is, represents and what its link to the “games” is. Furthermore it does create the effect that the game is to “get the flame” yet not much more is revealed. | The main figure would be the ring of fire and the girl. The fact the girl is in the centre it creates the effect that she is the main character and makes an audience notice her more. The fact that the ring of fire is the brightest “object” on the poster creates the impression that it is one of the main parts of the poster/film and holds a great importance. The ring is presented graphically, reiterating the aspect of it being a “game” and a game isn’t realistic as such it’s just something for fun, it’s not “serious”. Furthermore the main character is presented photographically creating a realistic aspect to the film, creating the effect that this film is supposed to be watched from a real and “true life” view. The poster is a mainly visual yet it is slightly verbal also. The tagline “THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING” is a conventional eye catching verbal approach. It creates the effect that the game is taken very seriously and everyone gets involved in watching it. The fact that it is in capitals emphases the idea that is it very important and that modal auxiliary verb “Will” creates the effect that is it a certainty that they will be watching; this may make an audience question themselves as to whether they should watch the film. As a whole the poster is mainly visual, the main focus being the ring of fire in which every character is starring at with intensity. The stands of people also edge towards the ring creating the impression that it is a very

7: important thing as everyone is looking at it and everything on the poster almost directs an audience to the ring of fire.

8: I think the main persuasive technique is the tag line as it makes an audience feel it is almost a necessity to watch the film because everyone else is. It makes an audience question whether it is important they watch the film or not. I think the use of the ring of fire is a great persuasive technique as an audience would be unsure what it is, what it represents and why everyone is looking at it. This may as such “frustrate” an audience into wanting to find out the answers to these questions encouraging them to then watch the film. The film appears to fall into an adventure/action genre category. Adventure due to the idea of it being a game and the idea of challenges needing to be completed in order to try and win the “game” and action because of the “fighting” aspect that comes from both the idea of trying to win the game and the bow the main character is carrying. This weapon reiterates the idea of “fighting” and creates the effect that something is going to be hunted in order to be successful which links to the action element of the film. Adventure conventions are represented through the element of there being a goal to reach (the golden ring) and action as there is a mission to complete (the game). Furthermore the gratifications of the bow promise an audience that an action aspect is involved suggesting to an audience that a fight/battle will commence. Two characters are briefly introduced which creates the impression that they are a team and their is some sort of relationship between them. Attention is gained mainly by the eye catching bright orange ring of fire as everything else if very dark. Due to the brightness it implies to an audience that there is a great importance for it and that the games are taken very seriously especially due to the characters and the fact they’re starring at it. “THE WORLD WILL BE WATCHING” as it is at the top of the poster it would firstly catch a reader’s attention quickly. It would make an audience question why will everyone be watching? Why is it so important? Should I be watching it? Because the tagline creates this effect, the poster will poetically encourage people to watch the film. The repetition of “w” creates a harsh effect linking to the dark colours on the poster and the idea of a “evil” side to “The Hunger Games” and that potentially people could be watching something bad. I think the hunger games poster is effective as it gives an audience an insight into what the film is about; it shows that there is a goal to reach, a fight for that goal and that people take the “game” very seriously. At the same times as informing an audience of all of this, not too much has been given away and an audience has been left questioning what they are looking at, why it’s called The “Hunger” Games and why will the “world” be watching? I think the poster is also effective as it is very eye catching due to the use of orange. An alternate reading an audience may gain is the idea of a “Godly” and “Religious” presence due to the way they are looking up. This may act negatively towards the decision on whether an audience would want to watch the film or not as they may be atheist and may people in this day of age are not religious.

10: The Dark Knight Rises | The main colour used in the poster is black. Black connotes darkness, badness and evil which creates the effect that something bad occurs during the film. It also creates the impression that Batman has a bad side to him. On the other hand, Batman is known as a good character so an audience may look at the poster as him being mysterious, blending into the darkness being secretive and defeating crimes. The main figure in the poster is Batman himself who is being presented photographically making an audience see him in a realistic view. He takes up most of the poster highlighting his importance in the film and creates the effect that he has a lot of power and the idea that lots of people look up to him and rely on him. The word “rise” is written in capital letters at the top of the page. It is in relation to the name of the film and it creates the effect that the word holds great significance due to the fact that it is being repeated, it is in a large font and in capitals. It creates the idea that he is rising gain, he is in control, the large font creates the effect that he is in powered and the capitals creates the effect he is strong and proud. The messages are visual and verbal, the word “RISE” and the large image of Batman surround the same idea of him being empowered and in control. I think the intended audience would firstly be people who like Batman, have watched previous films, read comic strips about him and/or watched the television programmes in which he was situated in (also in cartoon format). If an audience has enjoyed Batman in any of these ways it is likely especially because he such a well-known character that people will be interested in this film purely because of the history of Batman. Secondly I think because the film is of an action genre it is likely that anyone who has an interest in Batman will want to watch the film. As the purpose of the poster is to try and get an audience to watch the film, a persuasive technique used is the iconic batman himself in his iconic black batman suit “known to all”. Displaying batman in this outfit and displaying him in such a great ratio on the poster makes him stand out and enables an audience to easily recognise him. | Genre conventions that are referred to is the idea of a fighting “action” atmosphere and the outfit Batman is wearing looks almost “armour” like creating the impression that he is going to have some sort of fight with an evil character; which is obvious to anyone who is a previous Batman fan/know him in general. The fact that the poster is so dark and that it is raining also creates the impression that there is a tense atmosphere creating the impression that he is going to fight/something is going to go wrong. Linked to this the structure of his body reiterates this fighting idea as he looks as if he is standing up prepared for anything that comes his way. The unique selling point would be the iconic Batman character, known since 1939 in tv programmes, films, cartoons and firstly in comic strips. Due to the fact that he is such an established character people may be encouraged to watch the film because they like him/the idea that he is the same/wears the same outfit. Another unique selling point may be the actor as some people may watch the film purely because they are a fan or the actor. A Gratification that is promised is the idea of Batman rising into power “THE DARK KNIGHT RISES” it creates the effect that he is the “knight” implying he is the good character that rescues other/helps people. It creates the effect that something big is going to happen as he is in power and is “rising”.

11: Lastly attention is gained by the large image of Batman that takes up the majority of the page; the way he is standing creates the effect that he is proud and powerful. This image draws an audience in because of the well-known batman outfit that he is wearing. I think the batman poster is effective as even though some people may argue it is too black, boring and negative i think i portrays an action genre and a sense of mystery. I like the idea that Batman in his well established and known batman suit which would instantly gain attention as he is so well known. On the other hand, especially for an audience who are not familiar with Batman they may read this poster as Batman being bad and going to the “dark side” due to the fact that the main colour used is black and black connotes evil. His body language suggests he is empowered and the word “rise” links to this idea and an audience may think that he is now a bad character who is trying to control everyone.

12: FRIDAY THE 13TH | The main colour used on the “Friday The 13th” poster is black. Black connotes badness and evil; this connotation links to the scary murderous image of a man creating an evil image and the idea that the film fits into the genre of “Horror”. The choice of black links to the man, his stance, the idea of him killing (with the weapon he is holding) the idea of the woods and night time; this links to horror and the idea of scaring an audience. The colour red is also used for the font of the title of the film. Red usually connotes love but once you’ve glimpsed at this poster it is obvious a “happy love image” is not what the film is trying to connote. The red creates a “blood” like image and the idea of killing (especially because of the stereotypical murderer look of the man and his weapon). Blue is also shown in the background creating a “cold” effect and the idea of a scary “shivering” effect, making you feel uncomfortable in your own skin because you think that this man could kill you. The mask unravels a “horror” symbol; masks are usually worn by “serial” killers who either are trying to hide their identity or a face deformity. This creates the impression that the purpose of the film is to “scare” people which would encourage horror lovers to watch the film. You’d need an audiences foreknowledge to know why and understand as a whole why he’s actually wearing a mask and holding a weapon/killing people (obviously we don’t know if he is actually a murderer but stereotypically judging him from the poster that is the way he is being presented). It’s good that these things aren’t made apparent because otherwise questions will not be raised in an audiences mind as they would know all of the answers making the film boring . The main figure is the man. He fits into the background and contributes to the scary atmosphere and the idea of the film being a poster. His stance, weapon and mask create a stereotypical horror movie character reiterating the idea of the film being a horror and a film that is trying to scare you. The picture has been taken from a low angle giving this scary character the power creating the effect that he is going to “kill” all of the characters, even as an audience we feel like we cannot “run” from him. The idea of us looking up at him creates the impression that we are under his control and it creates more of an idea that he is directly | starring at you, making the film more personal and scary. The image has been taken photographically, creating a realistic approach and the idea of him actually killing to become a reality making an audience more scared as they feel like this character is “real”. The messages in the poster are mainly visual, with the main character (what seems to be a mass murdering man) that creates a scary uncomfortable image for the audience creating the impression that the film fits into the “horror” genre. Although as a whole the genre of the film, general scary atmosphere and storyline (being the main character being a masked murderer) is shown by the main character and setting he is in the tagline “WELCOME TO CRYSTAL LAKE” creates a strong impression on an audience too. This verbal sentence on its own creates a warm and inviting idea; the word “welcome” summons kind regards and “crystal lake” creates the impression that the lake is precious and a great holiday destination. This sentence creates a twist to the typical ideology it suggests once you take into account the whole poster. It creates the idea that the people who are going to be murdered are being tricked into the idea that the place they are venturing to is going to

13: be a “paradise” like place yet really it is the opposite. It creates the idea that you should expect the unexpected creating the effect that the film is going to be jumpy and scare you as you’re not going to expect the things that happen just like the characters in the film. the fact that the sentence is in capital letters also creates the effect that it is very important.

14: I think the intended audience for this film is “horror lovers” as firstly “Friday the 13th” is a superficial day known to all as being a scary day where everything goes wrong. This then links to the film and creates the idea, along with the image of the man and black dark colours used that this film is a horror. I think the intended audience would also be people who liked “The Chainsaw Massacre” as the producers of the film/poster obviously think that film was quite successful and would draw in a larger audience as if they liked that film it is likely they will enjoy “Friday The 13th” encouraging them to watch it. Persuasive techniques include the general aspect of the film being dark and displaying stereotypical genre conventions, making the poster scary in hope to frighten the audience into watching the film. The main goal for a horror is to scare the audience and I think the tagline and image create a twisted scary effect which would encourage an audience to watch the film as stereotypical dark, scary conventions have been used firstly attracting horror lovers and secondly creating a twist with the tag line which creates the effect that the film has an imaginative uniqueness; again drawing people in. “FROM THE PRODUCERS OF THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE” this may also persuade an audience to watch the film as they may either think the producers in general create good films, implying that this film will also be good which may encourage an audience to watch the film. If an audience liked the chainsaw massacre this may also encourage an audience to watch the film as they may think if they liked that film it is likely they will like “Friday The 13th”. The poster refers to stereotypical genre conventions; dark colours, lighting and tones have been used to create a scary atmosphere which is usually linked with horror movies. The woods are also stereotypical for a horror. The man’s mask and weapon also link to a stereotypical “mass murderer” character image, whereby they wear a mask to hide their identify and use a specific weapon to kill. I think the unique selling point for the film is the information starting “FROM THE PRODUCERS OF THE CHAINSAW MASSACRE” not only would the film in general encourage horror lovers in general to watch the film but it would encourage an older audience who enjoyed “The Chainsaw Massacre” to watch the film as it is likely they will like this film. The gratifications promise a scary “typical” film from the idea of a scary serial killer in the woods with a weapon. The wood creates a jumpy effect as woods often are known to be scary places and the idea of him merging into the background creates the idea that you can’t see him and that his killings are tension building as you are unaware he’s there/when he will attack. Attention is gained by the fact that the main character is standing so murderously. It creates the effect that he is starring at you directly, looking down on you making you feel like a victim/part of the fim which may encourage a horror lover audience to watch the film as they may enjoy feeling part of the film and being scared. Attention is gained by the iconic name “Friday The 13th” it is a date known by “all” for being a “bad” day creating the impression that the film will also be which for a horror it is good. The fact that the title is in red makes it stand out even more gaining attention very quickly as it is bright and eye catching along with being a superficial known date. The tagline “WELCOME TO CRYSTAL LAKE” sounds warm and inviting; “[crystals]” being precious loved jewellery, creating the effect that the place is a pleasant place loved by all. “[Lakes]” are genuinely referred to as places families go to on summer destinations where good times and memories are made. The fact that this tagline conflicts so much with the poster in general creates the idea that it will be interesting, exciting and most importantly scary and will be not what you expect making the film seem jumpy and exciting for horror lovers.

15: Firstly I like the fact that “Friday the 13th” is superstitious day and links to the idea of bad things as this poster presents a stereotypical horror movie killer which creates a scary atmosphere which is a vital element of a horror (to scare an audience). I think the title font colour is very effective as it stands out and gains attention quickly and also then refers back to the genre as red connotes “blood” and blood links to murder. On the other hand an audience may be turned away from this poster as it may appear that is doesn’t offer anything different to a stereotypical horror movie creating the impression that it is going to be predictable and therefore not scary.

16: Twilight:New Moon | The main colours are black and yellow. Black connotes badness and evil and yellow connotes a cheerful summer feeling it also links to the moon and the idea vampires coming out at night time. The black fits into the genre of “teen fantasy” creating this mystical spooky atmosphere and the idea of there being a “scary” aspect to the film. The yellow musky fog also links to the time of day and the idea there is a “fictional” aspect to the film and that vampires and wolves aren’t real. The yellow also suggests a warm happy aspect to the film and overall makes the poster more attractive and more noticeable as having a poster too black would be too dull and boring and therefore introducing the yellow it makes it more interesting to look at. You would need an audience’s foreknowledge of either the books or previous films to understand who these characters are, their relationship and that there are people who turn into vampires and wolves. Someone who knows about the film would get the idea that the message behind the way the way the three characters are standing symbolises a “love triangle” situation and the idea that she doesn’t know who to choose, she has one love but then has another nested in her brain. The main figure is the image of the three main characters which has been taken photographically creating a realistic approach to the film and the idea that they are just general “teenagers” that an audience of teenagers would be able to relate to. Their facial expressions stand out a lot in this poster and an audience gains a cold, frightening atmosphere and the idea something bad is going to happen as it is almost as if the girl is hiding herself behind the boy like a shield. The boys also give off this “distressed” scared image yet their body shapes create this stereotypically calm “tough” image. The messages are visual making an audience completely focus on the image and the characters, no tagline is shown to distract their attention. This may be because of the age group it is targeted towards; possibly a tagline would be needed if it was being targeted towards an older audience as they would need more to encourage them to watch the film. On the other hand teenagers don’t take in and appreciate creative taglines and the picture | will be the only thing that is consumed whereas an older audience would take everything in in order to make their decision to watch the film or not. I think the targeted audience would be people who like the actor, especially Robert Pattison who is a “teenage heartthrob” and may girls of this day and age would purely go to watch any film in general with him in it. The intended audience would be people who like the previous twilight films and have read the books. Having a follow on movie would encourage the people who watched the first film to watch the second so they understand more of the story and what happens. Even though it isn’t made apparent in the poster people who like “vampires” would also be an intended audience. Although it is not made clear, this film is so well known and spoke about that it is virtually impossible for an audience not to know it features a vampire. Due to the fact that the main characters are teenagers I think the main audience would also be teenagers as it is more likely a teenager will watch a film occupied with a mass of teenagers as they will be able to relate to them and therefore will have more of an interest in the film when compared to a parent. Lastly an audience interested in “fantasy” would be interested in watching the film as

17: it is something they are interested in and therefore could potentially love.

18: The purpose of the poster is to try and encourage an audience to watch the film a persuasive technique to try and do this would be the use of actors that are known and loved. Using Robert would gain a large teenage girl audience because he seen in a “idol” light. The unique selling point may be the idea of the film being a follow on and therefore may encourage an audience to watch the film because they feel like they need to watch this film because they've watched the other films. The actors may be unique selling point as some people may only want to watch the film because they like the actor in general or think they are good at what they do. Lastly the vampire aspect may also be a unique selling point as some people may have a keen interest in vampires and therefore may want to watch the film just because the idea of vampires. Gratifications promised by the poster are; the idea of it being scary as they are in the woods and the colours used are very dark it creates the effect that something bad is going to happen to them, their facial expressions create the effect that they are going to have sort of fight as they look quite scared, angry yet cautious. The fact the female is hiding behind the male also creates a stereotypical female image as she too weak/scared so she has to look to the man for support. The idea of a “love triangle” is also promised. The three characters shown appear to be the main characters the way in which they are standing creates the effect that they have a strange relationship. It is as if the female is with one guy but she’s still with the other/likes him as she’s looking at him. Attention is gained from the main characters and the idea that they are well known and loved makes them jump off of the page and secondly the name of the film stands out because it is in yellow and the rest of the poster is quite dark therefore to anyone who liked past twilight films will be instantly drawn to this own because the name stands out. I think the Twilight poster is effective as the main characters are shown, creating a love triangle effect which may draw an audience in due to the idea of a “drama” and “conflict”. I think it is also very effect that the main characters stand out and that the background is plain as they are obvious the unique selling point of the film so the producers want an audience to focus purely on the characters. An alternate reading for this film is that it seems like a typical “teenage” love drama which may turn away the target audience as the vampire aspect is not made apparent and that may be the only “want” factor for people to want to watch this film. I personally like the idea that the stereotypical view of vampires has been challenged as it is braking a barrier into people not being so judgemental and more open to different ideas. On the other hand some people may not like this “challenge” and this may be a reason as to why people do not want to watch the film as it appears too “modernised”.

20: Saw 3 | The main colours used in the poster for Saw 3 are white and black; white being the more promote colour. White connotes pureness whereas black connotes the opposite; evil. An audience would instantly recognise the genre of the film to be “horror”, either because they've watched previous “Saw” films or they generate the idea of the film genre by the teeth hanging from string. They may also get the idea of the genre by the font used for the movie, which is a stereotypical “scary” font instantly creating the effect that the film is “horror”. Due to the fact that the film is a horror you would not typically use white as it connotes the opposite stereotypical image that they genre involves. The white background creates the impression that even though there is evilness to the film whatever that is happening is for the “good”. It creates the impression that even though something bad is happening it's for the best in some sort of way. It challenges the stereotypical genre conventions and makes an audience question this “good and pure” side, which may encourage them to watch the film. The main symbols used in this poster are the teeth. They connote horror and create the effect that someone is tortured as it seems as if their teeth are pulled out. You do not necessarily need audience foreknowledge to decode the symbols as it is pretty obvious that some sort of “torture” is taking place with violence due to the “saw” and “teeth”. Although, if you were given all three saw posters to look at you would get a wider idea of the storyline. The poster for saw 1 I think gives an audience a larger insight to the narrative and therefore would make it easier for an audience to understand “symbols” if they exposed to all three posters. It creates the effect that people are repetitively taken, captured, chained up and tortured. The main objects in the poster are the teeth hanging from string with a saw at the very top. The teeth are taken photographically which shows them in a realistic gory way making an audience see the detail of the teeth. The state of the teeth and the fact that they are being presented in an unnatural way creates a unpleasant gruesome effect, making an audience “shiver” especially because the idea of your teeth being pulled out by string is so abnormal and revolting. | The messages in the poster are primarily visual although the tag line is verbal. Having the messages primarily visual works well for a horror as you are trying to scare the audience and presenting them with an image that seems very unnatural would connote the genre and create a scary effect luring “horror lovers” in. I think the intended audience for this film would be firstly anyone who likes “Horror” movies in general. The poster looks scary mainly due to the fact that the main image is of teeth that seem to have been pulled out; implying to the audience that some sort of torture is involved in the movie creating the impression that the film falls into the “horror” genre. Someone who likes “gory” films would also be an intended audience as again the teeth create this unpleasant image which would appeal to people who like gory films. Lastly, the image of the saw links to tools and tools are genuinely linked with males creating the impression that the film is being directed more so at males than females. The purpose of the poster is to try and encourage an audience to go and watch the movie, I think the fact that it is the third of the saw movies would firstly encourage an audience especially if the audience have watched the previous two movies and have enjoyed them as the audience are given more of one movie

21: Saw 2 | Saw 1 | Looking at the posters for saw 1 and 2 helps an audience gain a greater idea of the storyline and what to expect from saw 3. Looking at the other posters gives a audience a wider insight to the genre of the film and the storyline. | Saw 3 | that they enjoy. The creativity that has also gone into the way it is expressed that it is the third movie may also persuade an audience to watch the movie as “pulling out teeth” may be something unseen before and may make an audience question as to what will happen in this film.

22: Firstly the fact that the background is bright and white shows a challenge in typical genre conventions. Stereotypically you would expect that the whole poster would be dark and scary but the idea of white brings a sense of “goodness” to the bad that you expect to occur within the film. This may encourage an audience to watch the film due to the uniqueness of the poster creating the effect that this film is unlike others. I think the font choice used is very stereotypical for a horror movies, it is edgy and it looks as if it has been carved in which creates a spooky effect as an audience images a “bad” character to have possibly written it. The idea of the film being gory and scary is promised by the gratifications; one being the main image of the teeth that create the impression that someone is being tortured, teeth are pulled out and blood is probably involved. The tag line also reflects this images and emphases that impression; “This Halloween he's pulling out all the stops”. The word “pulling” links to the idea of teeth being pulled out and the sentence in general creates the effect that this movie will be extra special and scary. It creates the idea that because “he's pulling out all of the stops” that the film in comparison to previous movies will be even scarier which would encourage “horror” loves to want to watch the movie because of the frightening effect the tag line linked with the image creates. I think the saw poster is effective as it is plain and simple yet show an audience what the genre is. I think because it is the third of the saw movies the target audience for this film would be people who enjoyed the previous two so the simplicity works well as the poster doesn’t have to encourage an audience so much as the films name is already well established. I like the idea that the teeth suggest some sort of torture but an audience is left in question as to why and who. On the other hand an alternate reading of this poster may be that the film is about an evil dentist which may act negatively on whether someone would like to watch the film.